Romania · study
Residence Permit for Studies (Romania)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
If you have been accepted by a Romanian university, this residence permit lets you live in Romania for the length of your course.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - IGI works to published timelines for complete files; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - visa and residence-permit fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Tied to your course and renewable while you remain enrolled - confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The study residence permit is for non-EU students accepted by an accredited Romanian educational institution. You normally enter on a long-stay (type D) study visa and then apply to IGI for the residence card, renewable for the duration of your studies. It is not a direct settlement route, and study time counts only at half its length toward the qualifying period for EU long-term residence, but many graduates move to a work or other permit afterwards.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓You are accepted by an accredited educational institution in Romania.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ✓You hold, or can obtain, a long-stay (type D) study visa.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ✓You can show means of support and accommodation for the period of study.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ✓You hold a valid passport and meet the general conditions for residence.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
Common blockers
- !No acceptance by an accredited Romanian institution.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- !Inability to evidence means of support or accommodation.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- !Expecting study time to count fully toward settlement, when it counts only at half its length.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and the long-stay (type D) study visa.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ·Letter of acceptance from the institution.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ·Proof of means of support and accommodation.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
- ·Health insurance as required.General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your acceptance by an accredited Romanian institution and that you can obtain the type D study visa.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your acceptance letter, proof of means, accommodation, health insurance and passport.
Submit through the official channel
Enter on the study visa and apply to IGI for the study residence permit, paying the fees.
After approval
Renew while you remain enrolled and consider a work or other route after graduation if you want to stay.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Residence Permit for Studies (Romania) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Residence Permit for Studies (Romania).
General Inspectorate for Immigration (Romania) · verified
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Related routes
Single Permit for Work and Residence
If you are a non-EU national with a Romanian job offer, the single permit is the main route - one document covering both your work and your residence.
Family Reunification (Romania)
If a close family member already lives lawfully in Romania, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while I study?+
Students may usually work limited hours alongside study, subject to conditions. Confirm what is permitted on the official IGI page.
Does study count toward long-term residence?+
Study time counts only at half its length toward the qualifying period for EU long-term residence. Confirm the current rule on the official IGI page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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